thigmomorphogenesis

Noun

thigmomorphogenesis (uncountable)

1. The response of a plant to touch or other mechanical sensation.
   • Some of these, such as thigmomorphogenesis, are quite well defined, but the basis of perception and response is poorly understood although some advances are being made at the molecular level.1991, J. A. Callow, editor, Advances in Botanical Research, Volume 18, Academic Press, page vii
   • This effect, called thigmomorphogenesis (see chap. 3), involves the motion-induced inhibition of growth. Thigmomorphogenesis can be expressed in plant organs either exhibiting or lacking secondary growth, as well as in organs that have indeterminate or determinate growth.1992, Karl J. Niklas, Plant Biomechanics: An Engineering Approach to Plant Form and Function, University of Chicago Press, page 322